Danish endodontic practice-based research network: follow-up data.

Area of Science:

• Endodontic research
• Dental practice-based research networks
• Clinical outcomes assessment

Background:

• Root canal treatment (RCT) outcomes are crucial for long-term tooth survival.
• Assessing RCT success in real-world clinical settings is essential.
• Practice-based research networks facilitate the study of routine dental procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of root canal treatments performed in a practice-based endodontic research network.
• To identify factors influencing the success of endodontic therapy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective clinical study following 536 teeth with 50% follow-up.
• 12 dentists performed treatments between 2017-2018; follow-up ranged from 3.5 months to 3 years.
• Periapical radiographs assessed using the Periapical Index (PAI); pre-, intra-, and post-operative variables recorded.

Main Results:

• Periapical status improved or remained healthy in 66% of teeth.
• Poor baseline Periapical Index (PAI) scores (3-5) negatively impacted outcomes (p=0.049).
• Adequate root filling length (75%) and seal (63%) were associated with improved outcomes (p=0.02-0.03).

Conclusions:

• Good initial periapical status is linked to higher success rates in root canal treatments.
• The quality of the root filling, specifically its length and seal, significantly influences treatment success.
• Optimizing root filling quality is key to achieving favorable endodontic outcomes.